Make Your Court Wedding Memorable And Unique

A courthouse wedding is a great way to get married if you want to keep things simple and intimate. While it may be more low-key than a traditional wedding, there are still many ways to make the day feel special. From sending out invitations to hiring a photographer, and even planning a bigger party in the future, you can make your courthouse wedding a memorable occasion. Here are some tips to help you plan your special day.

Send out invitations

Sending out invitations is an important part of making your court wedding special. While it may be tempting to cut corners, it is important to properly invite your guests. Here are some tips to make your invitations memorable:

Choose the Right Format

You can choose between classic paper invitations or e-invitations. Paper invitations can be more luxurious and special, especially if you are only inviting a few guests. On the other hand, e-invitations are more convenient and environmentally friendly. If you decide to send e-invitations, choose a design that looks elegant and suits the occasion.

Include Detailed Information

Make sure to include all the necessary information in your invitations. This includes the date, time, and location of the wedding. If there are any specific instructions for guests, such as a dress code or parking information, be sure to include those as well. You can also include a link to your wedding website or registry if you have one.

Personalize Your Invitations

Add a personal touch to your invitations to make them feel extra special. You can include a meaningful quote or poem, or even a photo of you and your partner. If you're feeling creative, you can design your own invitations or add some handmade elements. You could also consider including a small gift or favour for your guests, such as a personalised token or a small treat.

Set the Tone

Your invitations should reflect the style and tone of your wedding. If you're having a more casual courthouse wedding, your invitations can be light and playful. If you're going for a more traditional or elegant affair, opt for a more formal invitation style. Consider adding some decorative elements, such as ribbon or embossed lettering, to add a touch of sophistication.

Send Them Out in a Timely Manner

Be sure to send your invitations out early enough to give your guests plenty of notice, especially if they need to travel or make arrangements. It's generally recommended to send invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This will give your guests enough time to RSVP and make any necessary preparations.

Remember, your invitations set the tone for your wedding and give your guests a glimpse into what they can expect from your special day. So, take the time to choose the right format, include all the necessary information, and add some personal touches to make them memorable.

Wear a special outfit

Wearing a special outfit is a great way to make your court wedding memorable. Here are some tips and ideas to help you choose the perfect attire for your big day:

Choose an Outfit That Makes You Feel Good

Just because you're opting for a court wedding doesn't mean you can't dress up. Wear something that makes you feel confident and happy. It can be as formal or as casual as you like. If you've always dreamed of wearing a traditional wedding dress, go for it! A simple civil ceremony is also a great opportunity to break the rules and wear something fun and unique.

Opt for a Chic White Ensemble

You can't go wrong with a chic white outfit for your court wedding. Consider a stylish wrap dress, a tailored bridal pantsuit, or a laid-back sports coat in colours like blue, green, or grey. A white linen off-the-shoulder midi dress is a great choice for a relaxed and breezy look, especially for spring and summer weddings.

Go for a Colourful or Printed Look

If plain white isn't your style, don't be afraid to add some colour or prints to your wedding outfit. A bold-coloured dress, a colourful suit, or a fun pattern can make a statement and reflect your personality. It's your day, so wear something that speaks to you.

Break the Rules with a Non-Traditional Look

A court wedding is the perfect opportunity to experiment with your style. If you're feeling adventurous, try a grand ball gown, a full-on tuxedo, or a boho, glam, modern, or vintage-inspired look. You can also opt for a bridal pantsuit or a jumpsuit, which offers a stylish alternative to a traditional dress.

Accessorise Your Outfit

Don't forget to accessorise your court wedding outfit! Add some sparkle with glitzy stilettos and bold earrings, or keep it simple and elegant with a veil, dainty headband, and chic clutch. If you're wearing a suit, add some flair with a colourful pocket square or a unique lapel pin.

Consider the Venue and Comfort

When choosing your outfit, keep in mind the space constraints of the courthouse. Avoid large and voluminous dresses or gowns with long trains, as they may not work well in tight spaces. Also, consider who will be helping you get dressed, and opt for a style that you can manage on your own if necessary.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose an outfit that reflects your personal style and makes you feel special. It's your wedding day, so have fun with it and make it memorable!

Get a good photographer

Getting a good photographer is a great way to make your court wedding special. Here are some tips to help you capture the special moments of your big day:

Ask Around and Do Your Research

Start by asking your friends and family for recommendations. If they've had a good experience with a photographer, chances are you will too. You can also search online for photographers in your area who specialise in courthouse weddings. Look through their portfolios to get a sense of their style and see if it aligns with the vision you have for your wedding photos.

Consider the Logistics

Think about the practicalities of having a photographer at your wedding. How much time do you want them to cover? Will they be with you for the whole day, or just the ceremony? Are there any specific moments you definitely want to be captured, like the romantic departure from the courthouse or the bride's preparations? Be sure to discuss these details with your photographer beforehand so they know what to expect and can guide you on timing and pricing.

Book Early

Popular photographers can get booked up quickly, especially if you're getting married during peak wedding season. It's a good idea to book your photographer about nine months to a year in advance to ensure you get your first choice.

Meet and Interview Them

Before committing, meet with your potential photographer to ensure you feel comfortable with them. This is a person you'll be spending a lot of time with on your wedding day, so you want to make sure your personalities click. During the meeting, ask to see their full portfolio of images from start to finish, rather than just a "best of" selection. This will give you a more accurate sense of their work.

Discuss Rates and Packages

Photographers' fees vary, and some may offer packages that include albums, prints, and high-resolution images. Others may charge a flat or hourly rate and then bill you separately for any additional pictures or albums. Be sure to understand what's included in the price and don't be afraid to negotiate or ask for custom packages.

Plan an Engagement Shoot

If you're feeling nervous about being in front of the camera, consider booking an engagement photoshoot with your wedding photographer. This will give you a chance to get comfortable with them and their shooting style, so you can feel more relaxed on your wedding day.

Print Your Photos

Don't forget to print your wedding photos! While it's great to have digital copies, there's something special about holding a physical photograph in your hands. Printing your photos will ensure you have tangible memories to look back on for years to come.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to finding a fantastic photographer who will capture the magic of your court wedding.

Have a reception

Having a reception is a great way to make your court wedding feel extra special. You can choose to have a sit-down dinner or a cocktail party in the private room of your favourite restaurant, or a casual get-together at someone's home. You could also reserve an entire restaurant, event room, or outdoor space for the evening. If you want to save money, you could ask your guests to contribute or have a potluck.

If you want to keep things intimate, you could go out for an early dinner with close family members and friends before heading over to the courthouse. You could also rent a trolley to drive you and your family around town so that you can take pictures in different locations in your wedding attire.

If you want to go big, you could rent out a small space and have a true reception with a live band, or even a destination wedding at your favourite travel spot.

Remember, you can still have all the wedding-y stuff you want, like a ring pillow or petal toss, and don't forget to send thank-you cards!

Ask for help

Planning a wedding can be stressful, so don't be afraid to ask for help! If you're planning a courthouse wedding, there are a few ways your loved ones can lend a hand.

First, consider asking a friend or family member to be your wedding planner or day-of coordinator. They can help you with everything from sending invitations to choosing a venue. If you're feeling overwhelmed, their support can make a big difference.

Another way to involve your loved ones is by asking them to be your witnesses. In most places, you'll need at least two witnesses for your courthouse wedding. Choose someone who is reliable and organised, as they will need to be present at the ceremony and sign the necessary documents.

If you're looking for ways to enhance your wedding day, ask your friends and family for help with the small details. For example, if you want to create a playlist for your wedding, ask your music-loving friend to put something together. Or, if you want to decorate the courthouse with flowers, see if your aunt with the green thumb can help you arrange some bouquets.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help with the reception. Whether you're planning a small gathering or a big party, your loved ones can lend a hand with everything from cooking a meal to sending out marriage announcements.

Remember, your wedding day is a celebration of your love, and it's okay to ask for help to make it special. By involving your friends and family in the planning process, you'll create lasting memories and ensure that your big day runs smoothly.

Frequently asked questions